South Carolina, next winter

[drobbjr]

We have been keeping close to home [near Toronto] but now wish to expand our horizons next winter. The thinking is, we will drive to South Carolina next March and stay in that area for 6 weeks or so. We like to camp and be able to ride our bikes, walk to coffee, play some golf. So, more close to a city than out of the way.
Can you please suggest rv parks that would fit the bill. For instance, HHI, Charleston, Myrtle Beach or others. At this time, we do not want to spend time in Florida, but may consider one week of the 6 there. Thanks for your help

[GCinSC2]

Don’t overlook the SC “Upstate” the NW corner of the state. You’re getting into the foothills. This area even has waterfalls some park and view some a nice walk. Possibly an easy base might be palmetto cove Cleveland sc. I didn’t say my favorite park but likely has space all rally sites. This is not the neon and nylon area, attractions are not man made stuff.

Gary

[majorairhead]

There is only one campground on Hilton Head Island that you can stay at with a travel trailer, the other is for Class A's. The Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort and Marina has an upscale restaurant on site, otherwise it's a drive to restaurants, beaches, bike paths, and golf. However, it's a nice campground, we've been there several times.

Savannah for larger metro, Beaufort and Bluffton for some shopping/fun, Pinckney Island for some bike riding, several public beaches, Skull Creek Boathouse for some good food, not a golfer so can't help ya there.

Shelter Cove for some food and shopping, and I always like the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for some gator watching, oh yeah, the Coastal Discovery Museum is worth the time too.

We have direct experience with January temps in the 60's, some days less, some days more, and in the 30's to 40's at night, March temps will be warmer for sure.

[Martinod]

Myrtle Beach is good but Charleston is more sophisticated with a huge of amount to do considering the things you stated an interest. The 60 to 80 miles south of Myrtle Beach will result in warmer temps for several reasons. Farther south to the Hilton Head Island and surrounding area should be a consideration. Again plenty of recreation, restaurants and such - plus even more moderate temps. In addition you are only 15 to 20 miles from Savannah GA which is a great place to spend time. One of the oldest cities in the lower 48 and if you enjoy history you can spend weeks and months and not see it all. If it were my decision it would be in south South Carolina for the reasons stated. A sizabable number of Canadians spend winter weeks in this area. All areas have a multitude if nice rv park locations including Savannah Chatham county area.

[coasttocoast]

I lived in Charleston for 34 years. Mt. Pleasant is the place to be if you're a Hipster. Downtown is great for restaurants, shopping, enjoying architecture and history, and seeing people. Charleston got discovered when the Internet launched, and Ohio moved there. There is traffic. Charleston is much, much, much bigger than Savannah. Myrtle Beach was once known as the Redneck Riviera with endless beach vacationers and t-shirt shops. If you like Ripley's Believe it or Not, head to Myrtle Beach. Hilton Head is more well-heeled. The good news is that the weather is nice in the south from about November to April, except for an occasional cold night and some rain. Beware of pollen season which last for about a month and will cover everything in yellow dust. It's miserable. Be warned. The good news is that you can easily drive around SC within a few hours and can see Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, and even head upstate if you want or over to Biltmore Estate in Asheville. If you haven't been to Biltmore, it's a must. Also, downtown Asheville, not Biltmore Village, is great for walking around. The other good news? Your'e not going to Florida. Enjoy.

[Barry Myers]

Check out Huntington Beach State Park south of MB. We are going there this weekend. Great place. Near enough to MB but not the crowds or hassle. Great lagoon for gator and bird watching. Bike trails. Brookgreen gardens right across the road.

For Charleston, James Island County Park is a great campground. Very near the action in Charleston or out to the plantations along the Ashley River. Bike trails. Fishing pier. Greatest dog park ever.

[RobdaSlob]

I second Barry’s recommendations in SC.

I have not stayed but have had plenty of friends stay at Camp Lake Jasper west of HHI and heard positive things.

If you want expand south just across the Savannah river... On Tybee island is River’s End Campground. Plenty to walk or bike to on the island. Lots of kayaking and water activity.

Red Gate is in Savannah city limits.

Creek Fire is just outside city on southwest side but a very nice resort / campground.

[Eddieb]

Check out parks around Lake Keowee and Hartwell. This is the upstate of SC near Clemson, Greenville. Lots of golf courses, great bike options and the mountains are right there, i live here and highly recommend. Feel free to contact me with more questions
edbroyles@yahoo.com

[Halford1]

If you stay at Pirateland, Apache, KOA, MB Travel Park, MB State Park or other campgrounds in Myrtle Beach, you can always go up to Calabash, NC near the state border and eat at fine seafood restaurants.

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by Halford1

If you stay at Pirateland, Apache, KOA, MB Travel Park, MB State Park or other campgrounds in Myrtle Beach, you can always go up to Calabash, NC near the state border and eat at fine seafood restaurants.

I concur. Pirateland is quieter than some of the glitzier parks in the MB area, has larger spaces, easy access and short drive to down town. Also a short drive to Brook Green Gardens, Atalaya, many other attractions and golf courses.

[Sandlapper56]

There is a kOA in Mount Pleasant on hwy 17 just 30 min from down town Charleston.

[GOUSC]

We’ve camped in most of the CG’s mentioned and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. From Myrtle Beach to Savannah, Ga is not that great of distance. Since you are trying to get to know the area, I would stay at 6 different places, 1 week at each to get to know the area. Then you will be able to make a decision about which area to come back to for a longer time next year. Here are my recommendations

1. Myrtle Beach Travel Resort, North Myrtle Beach. You like golf and Myrtle Beach has more concentrated golf courses than anywhere else I know. This will be located close to many to choose from. CG is on the beach and would be available for walks and bike riding on the beach. Not going to be able to walk to coffee but plenty of nice restaurants to choose from. Your are probably not used to Shag Dancing (a dance born in the South) but North Myrtle Beach is home to this popular dance. Go to Ducks, Fat Harolds or the Spanish Galleon and have some fun dancing or just watching.

2. Huntington Beach State Park, South of Murrel’s Inlet. Not near town, but very relaxed and quiet location. Plenty of room to ride bikes on the beach and golf courses in South Myrtle Beach are still close enough to go to.

3. Hunting Island State Park, near Beaufort S.C. On the beach as well and near Beaufort. Nice small town with enough restaurants to keep you busy.

4. James Island County Park, Charleston, SC. Very clean park and better than a lot of State Parks. They have a shuttle to take you to/from Charleston. This give you access to some the best restaurants in the South. Golf would be available in the area as well. You can walk your feet off in Charleston. The county park is large enough to keep you occupied on you bike.

5. Hilton Head Harbor Marina and RV Park. It will be hard to find a private park better than this one. Very clean and nice amenities. Hilton Head has numerous places to ride bikes. The only issue here is that you would have to transport your bikes with your tow vehicle to Hilton Head and then ride them as there are no sidewalks for 2-5 miles from the CG. You have access to golf in and around Hilton Head. Will probably be pricier than Mrytle Beach but there are some before you get to HH that would be cheaper. You also have nearby Bluffton which is a cute small town nearby. Dafuski Island is also a side trip you can take in the area. If you don’t want to stay hear you can stay at Camp Lake Jasper. It’s a smaller CG with less amenities. We use that CG as an overnight CG when coming back home from FL. $40/nite vs $70-$80 at the HH Harbor. They do have a nice small pool on sit.

6. Rivers End CG, Tybee Island, GA. Very clean private CG outside of Savannah. You can ride you bikes all over the place, walk to coffee. You can also rent Golf Carts and ride them on the streets wherever you want to go. Not on the beach but you a short drive away. You are close to Savannah. It is smaller than Charleston but doesn’t really take 2nd place to it. Plenty of good restaurants as well.

Numbers 1, 4, 5 and 6 put you close to cities if that is your preference but I would not skip the other while you are in the area.

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by Sandlapper56

There is a kOA in Mount Pleasant on hwy 17 just 30 min from down town Charleston.

There is also a KOA in the Summerville/Ladson area about the same distance from Charleston via Interstate 26 that is much less expensive than the one in Mount Pleasant though it has fewer in-park amenities. Both have plenty of room and are pet friendly with large dog parks.

[coasttocoast]

Originally Posted by Jacob D

There is also a KOA in the Summerville/Ladson area about the same distance from Charleston via Interstate 26 that is much less expensive than the one in Mount Pleasant though it has fewer in-park amenities. Both have plenty of room and are pet friendly with large dog parks.

I want to jump in again regarding Charleston. My in-laws live in Summerville. I have stayed at the KOA in Summerville and the one in Mt. Pleasant. The Summerville KOA has a bit of a work camp vibe to it, and if you plan to drive anywhere from there, plan on spending lots of time in traffic. Mt. Pleasant would be a better choice, but anybody who is not from Charleston and is moving there is headed to either downtown or Mt. Pleasant. I have friends and relatives living in Mt. Pleasant, and they complain about the growth and all the people. Mt. Pleasant is more youth oriented. I haven't stayed at the James Island location, but it won't take you long to get downtown, to Folly Beach, or to Mt. Pleasant.

So let's revisit pollen season again. I don't want to rain on your parade, but that month in the spring when everything gets coated by yellow dust is the most miserable time to be in the south. If you have any allergies, this is not the place to be. Yes, the temperatures are moderate compared to Michigan, however, we usually avoid the outdoors. The best cure for pollen is rain.

[Mansderm161]

Originally Posted by coasttocoast

I want to jump in again regarding Charleston. My in-laws live in Summerville. I have stayed at the KOA in Summerville and the one in Mt. Pleasant. The Summerville KOA has a bit of a work camp vibe to it, and if you plan to drive anywhere from there, plan on spending lots of time in traffic. Mt. Pleasant would be a better choice, but anybody who is not from Charleston and is moving there is headed to either downtown or Mt. Pleasant. I have friends and relatives living in Mt. Pleasant, and they complain about the growth and all the people. Mt. Pleasant is more youth oriented. I haven't stayed at the James Island location, but it won't take you long to get downtown, to Folly Beach, or to Mt. Pleasant.

So let's revisit pollen season again. I don't want to rain on your parade, but that month in the spring when everything gets coated by yellow dust is the most miserable time to be in the south. If you have any allergies, this is not the place to be. Yes, the temperatures are moderate compared to Michigan, however, we usually avoid the outdoors. The best cure for pollen is rain.

Pollen season is now in Myrtle Beach, started about a week ago....yellow everywhere. It lasts about a month. It gets everywhere. It's from the pines. I have lots of allergies, but this pollen doesn't bother me as much as others.

[coasttocoast]

Originally Posted by Mansderm161

Pollen season is now in Myrtle Beach, started about a week ago....yellow everywhere. It lasts about a month. It gets everywhere. It's from the pines. I have lots of allergies, but this pollen doesn't bother me as much as others.

We're starting to see the beginning of pollen in Atlanta, but it's raining a lot. My mother-in-law tells me that her porch and everything is covered in Summerville which is just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston.

I would rather have rain everyday than have to deal with pollen.

[Lily&Me]

Ditto to James Island County Park near Charleston, also Tybee Island Campground.

My personal favorite, Edisto Beach SP, just south of Charleston, where you can bike ride the entire island and dogs are allowed on the beach.

Maggie

[CRH]

Just last week someone was telling me Briarcliffe RV Resort in Myrtle has a good monthly rate during the winter months. I don't recall what he said the rate was, though.

[Mansderm161]

Don't know their rates, but you could call them. They are not beach front. They are right off 17 (the main drag) so they are convenient to everything. I don't know if they do a shuttle to the beach. A newer RV park, Carolina Pines, does a shuttle to the beach.

Originally Posted by CRH

Just last week someone was telling me Briarcliffe RV Resort in Myrtle has a good monthly rate during the winter months. I don't recall what he said the rate was, though.